Balloon catheter dilatation of malignant esophageal stricture

In tight esophageal strictures, the surgical methods of dilatation occasionally become difficult or impossible. This case report illustrates the use of a guidewire and balloon catheter in traversing and dilating a narrowed esophageal lumen under fluoroscopic control. The channel of the stricture was off-center and so did not permit endoscopic placement for dilatation. This technique enabled subsequent passage of an Eder-Puestow guidewire with redilatation and insertion of an Atkinson feeding tube.